(Newser)
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Most Americans are on board with President Obama’s plan to “seek a new way forward” with the Muslim world, with 81% saying the initiative to improve relations with Muslim nations is important. This in spite of the fact that 55% say they lack a basic understanding of Islam, and 29% see it as a violent religion, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll. Nearly half of all respondents had an unfavorable view of Islam, the highest level since late 2001.

Nearly two-thirds said they trust Obama to handle his visit to Turkey well. A quarter of respondents, however, and half of Republicans, worried that he would “go too far.” Republicans were more likely to hold negative views of Islam, with 60% distrusting the religion, compared to 40% of Democrats; younger respondents were less likely than their elders to see Islam as inherently violent.

says the all knowing / clairvoyant Timinator. Never thought I'd see the Sox win the Series either.

woodyTX

Apr 7, 2009 5:30 AM CDT

I would propose that we need to spend 98% of our time trying to understand religion (Christian, Muslim, Buddhist) and condemn, support or ignore from this vantage point. My Muslim friends are some of the most gentle, caring people I know. Both the Bible and the Koran can be quoted for good or for damnation. I was struck by Thinker's very apt use of the word unreasonable. It seems it's when religion (or the reaction to it) causes reason to be overcome by emotion, ideology and intolerance that the problems start. Does this happen naturally ? I certainly see groups in our society and others effectively using religious ideals in a cynical way to promote anti-rational approaches to living. The best way to control people is to create an "other" that must be hated and feared. They should be called out on this slime in the public square. I'd hate to throw the baby out with the bathwater though.

sache

Apr 6, 2009 5:17 AM CDT

Timinator2K, bet you never thought you would see headlines about the election of an African American as president of the USA. Keep watching maybe one day you will see "Muslims Back Push for Better American Relations". There is always hope as long as there are leaders like Obama who reach out to people, who don't necessarily think of America as a friend.